Russia: Online Registration Now Mandatory for Foreign Visitors' Stays
Since April 28, foreign travelers and minors under 18 must register their stay in Russia online instead of through traditional methods, simplifying the process but introducing new digital requirements.
As of April 28, Russia has enabled foreign travelers—and children under 18 traveling with them—to complete their mandatory stay registration online.
The change follows an amendment by Vladimir Putin to Articles 20 and 22 of the Federal Law No. 109-FZ on the Migration Registration of Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons in the Russian Federation.
Foreign visitors staying in Russia for more than seven days (excluding weekends) must register their presence with the Russian authorities. The registration must be completed within seven days of arrival. If your itinerary includes multiple accommodations, you must register at each new location.
Previously, this registration was typically handled by the staff of hotels, hostels, rented apartments, or other commercial accommodations in Russia—often against a small fee. The host was responsible for registering foreign guests, who had to provide travel documents (passport, visa, etc.) to the property for submission to the relevant authorities. Once processed, the establishment would issue a registration certificate or confirmation slip, which travelers had to carry and present during any inspection.
Without such an accommodation arrangement, travelers were required to visit a Russian immigration center in person to validate their registration forms. These centers were not always accessible across Russia’s vast territory.
Now, all foreign visitors must complete their registration via the government’s official website. While the portal’s instructions and final cost remain unclear, further guidance is expected to be published soon.
Certain categories of travelers—such as ship crews, diplomats, or those staying with friends or family—may be subject to different registration rules.
This regulation update coincides with Russia’s recent decision to lift visa requirements for Georgian citizens, allowing them to enter Russia and stay for up to 90 days without a visa. The move has heightened regional tensions amid Georgia’s reciprocal visa policy changes. In December 2022, the EU Council also decided to reject Russian travel documents issued in Ukraine and Georgia.
